In brief: Former Seattle U star Ed O’Brien dies at 83

COLLEGES: Former Seattle University star Ed O’Brien has died at age 83.

The school announced O’Brien’s death on Friday afternoon. He died earlier in the day. The school did not reveal a cause of death.

O’Brien played basketball at Seattle from 1950-53, along with his twin brother, Johnny. He also played baseball at the school and eventually had a five-year professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

O’Brien returned to Seattle and served as athletic director at the school from 1958-80.

Associated Press

WR Rice tweets apparent goodbye

NFL: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice tweeted an apparent goodbye after a report about his pending release.

Rice tweeted saying the No. 12 would “remain on the left side of my chest no matter what! Grateful for the opportunity to share so many special moments w yall.”

The tweet seemed to be in response to a report that Seattle intended to release Rice. The team said no roster move has been made and the NFL transactions report showed no roster move.

Rice is scheduled to make $8.5 million in 2014.

Associated Press

GU women could tie for WCC title

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: No. 24 Gonzaga returns home to play its final three games, starting today at 2 p.m. against Portland. A win for Gonzaga would clinch at least a tie for the West Coast Conference championship.

The Bulldogs (23-4, 13-2) will play the Pilots (14-12, 7-8) at the McCarthey Athletic Center in front of the 19th sellout in school history.

The Zags lead BYU (22-5, 12-4) by 1 1/2 games. Gonzaga finishes with games Thursday against Saint Mary’s (20-6, 10-5) and next Saturday against Pacific (15-10, 10-5).

Thomas Clouse